Download A-level Classical Civilisation Mark scheme Unit 02D

AS-LEVEL
Classical Civilisation
CIV2D Athenian Imperialism
Mark scheme
2020
June 2015
Version 1.0 Final Mark Scheme
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the
relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments
made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was
used by them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers
the students’ responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same
correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’
scripts. Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated
for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been
raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer.
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expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular
examination paper.
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MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL CLASSICAL CIVILISATION – CIV2D – JUNE 2015
INTRODUCTION
The information provided for each question is intended to be a guide to the kind of answers
anticipated and is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. All appropriate responses should be
given credit.
Where Greek and Latin terms appear in the Mark Scheme, they do so generally for the sake of
brevity. Knowledge of such terms, other than those given in the specification, is not required.
However, when determining the level of response for a particular answer, examiners should take
into account any instances where the student uses Greek or Latin terms effectively to aid the clarity
and precision of the argument.
Information in round brackets is not essential to score the mark.
DESCRIPTIONS OF LEVELS OF RESPONSE
The following procedure must be adopted in marking by levels of response:
• read the answer as a whole
• work down through the descriptors to find the one which best fits
• determine the mark from the mark range associated with that level, judging whether the answer
is nearer to the level above or to the one below.
Since answers will rarely match a descriptor in all respects, examiners must allow good
performance in some aspects to compensate for shortcomings in other respects. Consequently,
the level is determined by the ‘best fit’ rather than requiring every element of the descriptor to be
matched. Examiners should aim to use the full range of levels and marks, taking into account the
standard that can reasonably be expected of students after one year of study on the Advanced
Subsidiary course and in the time available in the examination.
Students are not necessarily required to respond to all the bullet points in order to reach Level 5 or
Level 4, but they should cover a sufficient range of material to answer the central aspects of the
question.
QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
The Quality of Written Communication will be taken into account in all questions worth 10 or more
marks. This will include the student’s ability
•
to communicate clearly, ensuring that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar
are accurate
•
to select and use an appropriate form and style of writing, and
•
to organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
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LEVELS OF RESPONSE FOR QUESTIONS WORTH 10 MARKS
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Demonstrates
 accurate and relevant knowledge covering central aspects of
the question
 clear understanding of central aspects of the question
 ability to put forward an argument which for the most part has
an analytical and/or evaluative focus appropriate to the
question and uses knowledge to support opinion
 ability generally to use specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Demonstrates
 a range of accurate and relevant knowledge
 some understanding of some aspects of the question
 some evidence of analysis and/or evaluation appropriate to the
question
 some ability to use specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Demonstrates
either
 a range of accurate and relevant knowledge
or
 some relevant opinions with inadequate accurate knowledge to
support them.
Demonstrates
either
 some patchy accurate and relevant knowledge
or
 an occasional attempt to make a relevant comment with no
accurate knowledge to support it.
9-10
6-8
3-5
1-2
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LEVELS OF RESPONSE FOR QUESTIONS WORTH 20 MARKS
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Demonstrates
 well chosen accurate and relevant knowledge covering most of
the central aspects of the question
 coherent understanding of the central aspects of the question
 ability to sustain an argument which
has an almost wholly analytical and/or evaluative focus,
responds to the precise terms of the question,
effectively links comment to detail,
has a clear structure
reaches a reasoned conclusion
is clear and coherent, using appropriate, accurate language
and
makes use of specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Demonstrates
 generally adequate accurate and relevant knowledge covering
many of the central aspects of the question
 understanding of many of the central aspects of the question
 ability to develop an argument which
has a generally analytical and/or evaluative focus,
is broadly appropriate to the question,
mainly supports comment with detail and
has a discernible structure
is generally clear and coherent, using appropriate, generally
accurate language and
generally makes use of specialist vocabulary when
appropriate.
Demonstrates
 a range of accurate and relevant knowledge
 some understanding of some aspects of the question
 some evidence of analysis and/or evaluation appropriate to the
question
 some ability to structure a response using appropriate
language, although with some faults of spelling, punctuation
and grammar
 some ability to use specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Demonstrates
 either a range of accurate and relevant knowledge
 or some relevant opinions with inadequate accurate
knowledge to support them
 and sufficient clarity, although there may be more widespread
faults of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Demonstrates
 either some patchy accurate and relevant knowledge
 or an occasional attempt to make a relevant comment with no
accurate knowledge to support it
 and little clarity; there may be widespread faults of spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
19-20
14-18
9-13
5-8
1-4
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LEVELS OF RESPONSE FOR QUESTIONS WORTH 30 MARKS
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Demonstrates
 well chosen accurate and relevant knowledge covering most of
the central aspects of the question
 coherent understanding of the central aspects of the question
 ability to sustain an argument which
has an almost wholly analytical and/or evaluative focus,
responds to the precise terms of the question,
effectively links comment to detail,
has a clear structure
reaches a reasoned conclusion
is clear and coherent, using appropriate, accurate language
and
makes use of specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Demonstrates
 generally adequate accurate and relevant knowledge covering
many of the central aspects of the question
 understanding of many of the central aspects of the question
 ability to develop an argument which
has a generally analytical and/or evaluative focus,
is broadly appropriate to the question,
mainly supports comment with detail
has a discernible structure
is generally clear and coherent, using appropriate, generally
accurate language and
generally makes use of specialist vocabulary when
appropriate.
Demonstrates
 a range of accurate and relevant knowledge
 some understanding of some aspects of the question
 some evidence of analysis and/or evaluation appropriate to the
question
 some ability to structure a response using appropriate
language, although with some faults of spelling, punctuation
and grammar
 some ability to use specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Demonstrates
 either a range of accurate and relevant knowledge
 or some relevant opinions with inadequate accurate
knowledge to support them
 and writes with sufficient clarity, although there may be more
widespread faults of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Demonstrates
 either some patchy accurate and relevant knowledge
 or an occasional attempt to make a relevant comment with no
accurate knowledge to support it
 and little clarity; there may be widespread faults of spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
27-30
20-26
13-19
7-12
1-6
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Unit 2D
Athenian Imperialism
Section 1
Option A
01
Why did the allies ask Athens to take over leadership against Persia?
Make three points.
Three from: The Spartan Pausanias (1) / had behaved in such an arrogant way (1) / that the
forces complained (1) / Pausanias was recalled to Sparta (1) and the allies approached
Athens (1) to deal with the continuing threat from Persia (1) / the Allies preferred lonian
leadership (To Dorian) (1) / because of Athenian Naval Power (1)
[3 marks]
02
Who, in about 469 BC, became the first League member to revolt?
Naxos (1)
[1 mark]
03
Name one city other than Kolophon which attempted to leave the League after 469 BC.
One from: Khalkis / Erythrai / Miletos /
Megara / Thasos/ Mytillene (1)
Allow any other correct answer
04
[1 mark]
To what extent does Passage B give a different impression of relations between
Athens and her allies from the views Thucydides expresses in Passage A, and what
are the reasons for any differences?
Discussion might include:
both passages are looking at aspects of the same situation: revolts by allies (and fellow
members of the Delian League) against the authority imposed on them by Athens and in
particular, the levying of tribute; Thucydides (Passage A) is writing a history and looking at
things in a general sense from the Athenian point of view; he is not specifically dealing with
the situation regarding Kolophon; Passage B is believed to be part of an inscription set up
following the failure of the Kolophonians to pay their agreed tribute; in Passage A it is made
clear that tribute could be paid in two ways, by cash or by provision of ships; it is not clear
which of these the Kolophonians had failed to do (or whether it was both); it is made clear
that the Athenians were non-negotiable over the amount of tribute, and that failure to pay the
whole sum was to be treated as harshly as total non-payment; again whether the
Kolophonians were resisting wilfully or unable to pay the full amount is not clear; the term
‘severest pressure’ seems to be a euphemism for ‘extreme action amount to violence’, while
the final section seems to be justifying Athens’ behaviour by suggesting that the allies ‘don’t
want to make .. sacrifices’ because they are used to having an easy life; Athens here is made
to sound like the victim; in Passage B it is clear that the Athenians are making an example of
the Kolophonians; no mention is made of tribute but the conditions being forced on the
Kolophonians are the same as those set out for other known defaulters; crucially it appears
that settlers have been ‘sent to Kolophon’ and that a democracy has been established (the
Kolophonians ‘will not subvert democracy at Kolophon’); the settlers have presumably been
sent to enforce this democracy by weight of numbers; virtually the entire tone is negative and
punitive - the public humiliation of having the stele set up is to be funded ‘at the expense of
the Kolophonians’; the Kolophonians do not only have to obey Athens but to speak as well as
they can about them; the only glimmer of light is that ‘many good things’ may happen if they
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obey the oath.
Apply Levels of Response at beginning of Mark Scheme.
[10 marks]
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05
To what extent do you agree with Thucydides in Passage A that the allies were to
blame for the way Athens treated them in the period between 479 and 454 BC?
Give reasons for your answer and refer to the books of Thucydides you have read.
You might include discussion of
•
•
•
•
•
the original purposes and arrangements of the Delian League
the allies’ relationships with Athens during the early actions of the League
responsibility for the early rebellions
the Athenian leaders and how they treated other cities
how and why the League became an Athenian Empire.
Discussion might include:
•
•
•
original purposes and arrangements:
following Persian defeats at Salamis (sea) and Plataea (land), Persians retreated from
Greece leaving great damage and fear; hence lots of ‘togetherness’ and anti-Persia
alliance of cities remained in place with Athens apparently happy to accept Spartan
leadership initially; then with other Greek cities Athens accepted Spartan Pausanias as
leader until he revealed ‘the arrogance of his nature’; key point: other states approached
Athens to protect them (so in a sense they got themselves into the position of
subservience to Athens quite willingly); Thucydides admits that even at this early stage
Athens had a second aim, to neutralise Sparta and so would do whatever ‘would best
suit their own interests’; other states though, annoyed with Spartan attitude were ‘initially
glad to see them do so’; it seems that the allies left all decisions on League
arrangements (introduction / level of tribute, etc.) to Athens; Athenian treasurers put in
charge of assessing / collecting tribute; some suggestion of joint responsibility provided
by keeping treasury at Delos while decisions initially reached ‘in general congress’ at
same neutral venue
early actions:
(Eion, Scyros and Carystus): all fitted the general terms of the League with united
League force (under Cimon) making slaves of Persians captured at Eion; for Scyros
attack, no Persian element but removal of pirates made safer sea trade of all League
members; no suggestion of other cities being less than supportive or of Athenian abuse
of the League; Carystus: showed beginning of new trend; Greek city (although
suspected of pro-Persian tendencies) it refused ‘invitation’ to join League; League
attacked and forced it to join; Thucydides tells us Carystus ‘was not supported by the
rest of Euboea’ suggesting unity (but Athens’ motives looking to own interests now? –
certainly she provided most of ships and fighting men, so becoming increasingly
authoritarian; hence first rebellions?)
early rebellions:
at formation of League states swore oath of permanence so when Naxos tried to
withdraw, this was against oath made to all members so may not have been Athens
breaking ranks (Thucydides though calls it ‘first case when the original constitution of the
League was broken’); Persian threat still present (until victories at Eurymedon shortly
after Naxos rebellion); credit for examining responsibility for Naxos rebellion and effects
of Athens’ behaviour there on other allies; Thasos rebellion different: not primarily
League matter but dispute between Athens and Thasos over mines; threat of Spartan
involvement (Spartan offer to help Thasos) would have frightened Athens and led them
to seek to make an example of Thasos (very harsh treatment); credit for discussing how
far Thasos (as an ally) and the other allies brought this on themselves and how far
Athenian intolerance / greed was to blame; credit for discussion of other rebels from
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•
•
inscriptions in similar terms
Athenian leadership:
despite partly serving own interests Athens under Cimon basically pro-League and not
so bothered about Sparta (tendency to go relatively easy on allies); also Persia still a
threat under Cimon so no fundamental reason for allies to resent Athenian leadership;
four years after Thasos Cimon ostracised (political manoeuvring by democrats – at
home at least - Ephialtes and Pericles); credit for reference to Pericles’s later speech for
his attitude (‘your empire is now like a tyranny’); Athenian focus moved from Persia to
Sparta (series of alliances with Sparta’s enemies); credit for discussing the effect all this
would have had on the allies
move to Empire:
under Pericles change in League nature: most tribute limited to cash; harsher terms (as
in Kleinias / Coinage decrees) introduced; League funds blatantly used for Long Walls in
Athens; also rebuilding of Acropolis temples; Treasury moved from Delos to Athens in
454; clear preparations for war v Sparta; no suggestion League were consulted over
this; meetings on Delos abandoned; war with Sparta beyond 454 with League members
expected to support Athens unconditionally; effectively the league is over and an Empire
is in place; credit for examining all this in line with the title.
Apply Levels of Response at beginning of Mark Scheme.
[20 marks]
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Option B
06
Which city was Hermocrates representing at the Debate?
Syracuse (1)
[1 mark]
07
What actions caused Egesta to request ‘military aid’ (line 7) from Athens? Give two
details.
Two from: Egesta had declared war on their neighbour Selinunte (1) / over territory and/or
marriage rights (1) / Selinunte called on (their ally) Syracuse for help (1) / Syracuse attacked
Egesta (1) / by land and sea (1) Add. Egesta needed help from someone powerful (1)
Allow any other answer.
[2 marks]
08
How did the Camarinians react after hearing the speeches of both delegations? Give
two details.
Two from: they liked Athens (1) / but feared Syracuse (1) / so told both sides they would
remain neutral (1) while secretly deciding to support Syracuse (1) / without upsetting Athens
(at this point) (1)
[2 marks]
09
How effectively do you consider Hermocrates puts across his argument in the
passage?
Discussion might include:
starts with apparent throwaway comment (‘plenty of scope for attacking .. Athens’) as
reminder of her reputation for harsh dealing with allies, etc;) followed up by ‘misdoings’ to
reinforce her potential as an enemy; then cleverly sets his own city side by side with
Camarina as fellow Sicilians who have both erred (‘.. blame ourselves’) in not standing up to
Athens; reminds them that Athenian allies ‘in the mother country’ have all been ‘enslaved’
because of ‘not supporting each other’ (ie we Sicilians must stand together to avoid such a
fate); reminder that the Athenians use clever words (‘the same sophistries’) to lure victims
into their net, before comparing their dependent states (‘always slaves’) to the states of Sicily
(‘free’ and ‘independent’); warns them that individually they will be easy pickings for a superpower like Athens; also that their tactics are blindingly obvious – divide and rule; finally
blames Athens for ‘stirring up’ the trouble between Syracuse and other Sicilians by using
‘flattering language’; (something of the pot calling the kettle black, given the ‘sophistry’ of
Hermocrates’ language here?); credit for any points above or other relevant quotation from
the passage as long as tied into the ‘effectiveness’ of what he says (rather than the fairness
or otherwise).
Apply Levels of Response at beginning of Mark Scheme.
[10 marks]
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10
‘Athens’ arrogance was the main reason for the failure of the Sicilian Expedition.’
To what extent do you agree? Give reasons for your answer and refer to Book 6 of
Thucydides.
You might include discussion of
•
•
•
•
Athens’ view of her own ambitions and abilities
Athenian leadership before and during the Sicilian Expedition
Athens’ relationships with her allies
Athens’ relationships with other cities including Sparta.
Discussion might include:
• own abilities:
throughout most of the period studied Athens shows great (excessive?) self belief;
happy to disregard the views of others (good supporting quotations available from
passage and other speeches – eg Athenians tell Melians to ‘behave with deference
towards (your) superiors’); yet as time goes on some self-examination might have been
wise; strong leadership prevented any self-doubt from interfering with policy (eg Pericles
pep talk in 430 when beset by plague etc.); by time of Sicilian Expedition this self-belief /
arrogance may well have been masking a degree of self-delusion (see each item below)
leading to her overstretching her resources
• Athenian leadership:
before: strong leadership up to 420s, followed by period of uncertainty (competitors with
differences of opinion); when vote taken in 415 to send help to Egesta / Leontini, Nicias
spoke up against (despite being named joint expedition leader); Alcibiades (also
prospective joint leader) spoke in support of motion and won the day; Nicias demanded
vast numbers of troops; (to his surprise) this was accepted but Alcibiades accused of
undemocratic behaviour over Hermae) and recalled; he defected to Sparta (below)
rather than face trial; during: Nicias and Lamaches in charge (half-hearted; lacked
Alcibiades’ charisma and skills); arrogance of their approach at Camarina lost support
from Sicilian allies; failed to press home initial successes v Syracuse; Nicias’ request for
recall would have had negative effect; reinforcements called in too late (Sparta now fully
involved – below); disastrous defeat of new force at the Great Harbour (while landbased troops dithered); whole force in disarray culminating in total destruction of
expedition forces; leadership major factor in defeat?
• allies:
strong link here with idea of ‘arrogance’ as key factor: since Cimon’s time in authority
Athens pursued foreign policy (especially against Sparta) expecting blind loyalty from
allies; terms of inscriptions show that fear was now the main weapon by which loyalty
was kept, but rule by strength needs that strength to continue; after deaths of Pericles
and Cleon, the single-mindedness is lacking so allies would be watching Athenian
involvement in Sicily hoping she would overstretch herself; little loyalty left to count on if
things got tough (or stomach for the fight for allies directly involved?); while allies
became bigger problem after Sicilian defeat Athens’ earlier arrogant treatment of them
was clearly a factor in defeat in Sicily; credit for examining how big a factor
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• others:
Sicilians: Athens’ willingness to assist allies in Sicily (although – or because of? - her
mixed motives) was not met with the level of support expected; Leontini failed to
produce resources promised; Camarina promised support but sat on the fence; all
allowing Syracuse (biggest power on island anyway) fairly free rein to oppose Athens
who was not at her strongest (see leadership below); initially things went well with
Athenian blockade of Syracuse, but Athenians were unable to strike the decisive blow;
meanwhile Syracuse’ appeal for Spartan help proved vital in the eventual Athenian
defeat; Sparta: whole idea of expedition aroused great concern in Sparta (threatened
balance of power both in Sicily and in Greece itself); Athens’ recall of Alcibiades resulted
in potential key to Athens’ success falling into Spartan hands and encouraging them to
intervene; Spartan reinforcements added to Syracusan naval power provided Athens
with biggest challenge to her forces yet; inspired Spartan leadership from Gylippus
(compared with half-hearted Athenian leadership) almost guaranteed Syracusan /
Spartan victory; another major factor to consider in responding to the question.
Apply Levels of Response at beginning of Mark Scheme.
[20 marks]
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Section 2
Option C
11
‘Athenian speakers always portrayed the Athenians more favourably than they
deserved at the time.’
Judging from the speeches by Athenians you have read, how far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer and refer to the books of Thucydides you have read.
You might include discussion of
•
•
•
•
•
the Athenians’ speech at the Debate at Sparta in 432 BC
Pericles’ speech in 430 BC
the Mytilenian Debate in 427 BC
the Melian Dialogue in 416/5 BC
the Athenians’ speech at the Debate at Camarina in 415/4 BC.
Discussion might include:
(Students will not be expected to deal with all speeches in great detail, but to make
judgements that relate the tone of the speeches discussed to the Athenian political / military
position at the time)
• Debate at Sparta:
at this stage (432 BC) Athens was used to getting its own way; its ‘Delian League’ is
now effectively an Empire and Cimon’s support for Sparta is long in the past; the
Disputes over Corcyra and Potidaea threatened Corinth, main ally of Sparta and
suggested Athens was seeking to increase her Empire: speech: Athenian tone
(responding to Corinthian allegations) at the Debate: one of superiority (Athenian
delegation just happened to be visiting): main points: Debate has no jurisdiction, so no
need to answer Corinthian points; we fought the Persians almost single-handed, while
making great sacrifices (so element of self-justification); after Persian war Spartans
withdrew so other Greeks only had us to look after them (‘we did not gain this empire by
force’); Sparta later threatened us so we had to hang onto the empire; Sparta would be
as harsh to allies as us if they were in the same position (so don’t talk about ‘right and
wrong’); we are, if anything, too fair for our own good (our democratic tendencies); so
Sparta should not be hypocritical; don’t push us too far or you’ll regret it (straight threat
at end); fairly realistic speech from a position of strength; does the speaker’s selfjustification though amount to his being ‘over favourable’ to Athens?
• Pericles:
after several false starts Sparta had declared war and begun her annual invasions of
Attica; Pericles’ (not too popular) policy for dealing with land invasions was to retreat into
Athens and let them take their course; many Athenians suffered loss of land, lack of
food, etc.; even worse in 430 plague broke out (30,000 dead – including, eventually,
Pericles); speech: acknowledges justification for Athenians’ anger; stresses need to
stick together and support war effort (‘as long as the state is secure, individuals have a
much greater chance of surviving’); he is the man for the job; nobody wants war – it is
our very freedom at stake; I am strong; it’s you lot who are weakening; remember your
heritage; you can’t lose, because you control the sea; but if you give up now, your
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heritage will be gone; think of your natural superiority; you can’t give up your empire
even if you want to; it would be too dangerous; times are bad but we have overcome
perils before; don’t give in; fight on; (essentially a pep-talk in Athens’ darkest hour, so
clearly tending to be in a sense ‘more favourable’ that the situation warranted, but for
obvious reasons – and Pericles did not refrain from discussing the current difficulties)
• Mytilenian Debate:
following Pericles’ death (and relief from Spartan attack as Spartans did not want to
catch plague) Athens switched to a more aggressive (Cleon-inspired) approach: started
taking war to Sparta; despite this, Spartan invasions of Attica resumed and Athenian
allies, sensing weakness, started to revolt, in particular Mytilene, main city of island of
Lesbos; unusual in being non-tributary ally, not totally committed to Athens (had
oligarchic government); Mytilene saw opportunity in 428 to rebel and seek help from
Peloponnesians; Sparta agreed to accept Mytilene as ally; Athenian fleet blockaded
Mytilene; Spartans sent fleet but Mytilenians were starved into surrender before they
arrived; Debate held over how to treat Mytilenians; clearly important for Athens to send
message to other allies looking for signs of weakness; initial decision very draconian
(death/slavery for all) but overnight opinion shifted towards mercy speeches: Cleon
spoke first: don’t be weak; you are tyrants; get on with it; subjects will see you as weak
otherwise; mustn’t step back once decision made; strike quickly is the best policy; you
do too much talking; Mytilene has harmed you and joined your enemies; Mytilene will
despise you if you show mercy; so will other allies; more rebellions will follow; no time
for pity or listening to ‘their’ views; see it through or risk losing empire (clear enough
reflection of situation, from one point of view. Diodotus followed: get rid of emotion and
take your time to think; Cleon is trying to scare you; yes, they are guilty but will savage
punishments help ‘us’? Over-harsh deterrence does not work; cities will still rebel and if
they know their failure guarantees destruction they will never give up; you should suit
the punishment to ‘our’ interests; just punish the oligarchs or democracies elsewhere
may give up; Diodotus’ view prevailed – credit for looking at the two views in line with
the title: both could be read as showing that the weaker Athens’ hold over her allies
became, the greater the need to ‘talk up’ her justification for acting tough; but again
there is more than a hint of realism, acknowledging her faults; chance to contrast the
two speakers in this light
• Melian Dialogue:
Peace of Nicias in 421 BC had brought first phase of war v Sparta to an end; gradually
skirmishes began and both sides started jockeying for position; in 416 Athens was trying
to subdue Argos (thus weakening Sparta); at the same time a large force was sent to
force the Spartan ally Melos to move over to Athens; things going quite well for Athens
during these years – hence the tone? speech: very factual, unemotional tone, but blunt
and to the point: we are not here for a debate; you, the weak, can save yourselves by
giving in to us, the strong; join us for your own good; we would rather welcome you than
destroy you; neutrality is not an option; forget ‘right’ and ‘wrong’; we need no trouble
from you whatever it takes; take your one opportunity; don’t count on the gods – we
already do that and it seems to work for us; don’t count on help from Sparta; forget
‘honour’; save yourselves; (result: Melos refused, was defeated, all killed/enslaved,
Athenians settled there – Athenian attitude: could be said to have stated it just as it is; in
this situation Melos is powerless; the speech hardly exaggerates the favourable position
Athens is in, but in a wider sense is she quite as all-powerful as the speaker claims?)
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• Camarina:
in 415 the truce still technically held but both sides were looking to gain advantages in
the knowledge that further war would follow; Sicily was a potential problem for Athens
(Syracuse was strongest city and pro-Sparta); appeal from Egesta for support v
Syracuse (Egesta to pay!) seemed good opportunity to steal a march on Sparta (and
enrich Athens); hence different tone from other speeches by Athens at Camarina; large
fleet sailed and had initial success against Syracuse; both sought support from
Camarina; speech: we (Athenians) only have an empire because others asked us to
look after them; we’ve always done this well; you and we now are under similar threats
(you from Syracuse, we from Sparta); we are not here to enslave you but to stop you
from being enslaved; with us you will stay independent; you asked us to help; don’t give
in to cowardice – make use of our strength for your own sakes; (why the lack of threats,
attempts at self-justification, etc. here when not seen at Melos etc.?); are the Athenians
– with split leadership, far from home, etc. – showing self-doubt? If so, with good cause;
Camarina stayed neutral – not offered to Melos – but quietly supported Syracuse;
Athenian bubble about to burst in a big way with utter defeat – and eventually loss of
Empire.
Apply Levels of Response at beginning of Mark Scheme.
[30 marks]
Option D
12
‘Difficulties in Athens’ relations with her allies between 454 BC and 404 BC were
largely her own fault.’
To what extent do you agree? Give reasons for your answer and refer to the
books of Thucydides and the extracts from ‘The Athenian Empire’ you have read.
You might include discussion of
•
•
•
•
Athens’ situation in 454 BC
Athens relationship with her allies after 454 BC
Athens’ relationship with Sparta after 454 BC
the period after the Sicilian Expedition.
Discussion might include:
• Athens in 454:
pretence of a continuing Delian League of ‘equals’ basically ends in 454 with removal of
treasury to Athens and end of joint conferences; as early as 470 when Naxos had
rebelled, ‘Athens made war on the place’; first sign of difficulty in keeping alliance intact;
Thasos dealt with similarly (but here clear desire for self-enrichment in Athenian attitude
– virtually a self-seeking ‘Empire’ by now?); all relatively fine until Egyptian Campaign;
first real setback as this lasted years (459-454) and ended in big defeat; hence
retrenchment in 454; difficult to claim end of Empire is in sight but at least the “Empire’
can be recognized for what it is (causing alarm to allies, Sparta, etc. – below)
• Athens and allies after 454:
inscriptions show Naxos and Thasos not alone; some issues with dates but Erythrai
appears to have rebelled in about 453; Miletus about 450; Khalkis and Kolophon in
about 446; terms set up to indicate growing sense of desperation leading to in harsh
terms (difficult for Democracy to rule lands with contrasting governments so tendency for
Athens to impose democracy abroad and / or settle Athenians there); council set up in
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Erythrai, made to promise not to revolt from ‘Athens and allies’ or join Persians (sign
that allies still important and Persia still a problem); also some positives: Athenian law to
help Erythrai in case of murder, etc.; Miletus seems to have received an (Athenian)
garrison; Khalkis receives promise not to uproot their citizens (but must promise not to
revolt, to pay their full tribute; also no reference by now to ‘allies’, just Athens), while
Kolophon will promise not to revolt (and to love the Athenian people); kept in check by
threats the allies largely stayed in line during war with Sparta, but harsh treatment must
have made them look for chances to jump; eg 440 Samos rebelled (see below) : 428
Mytilene saw chance to approach Sparta; far harsher treatment than earlier rebels from
Athens (Cleon would have killed / enslaved all; even the less harsh Diodotus spoke for
killing the oligarchs in the government – example of Athens having to deal with an ally
of different political persuasion); in Sicilian Expedition Athens reputation for treatment of
allies dissuaded Sicilian allies from giving full support (eg Camarina though ally of
Athens actually helped Syracuse on the quiet in 415; also nearly all coastal states
refused to ally themselves with Athens); at same time, allies at home, seeing destruction
of Athenian fleet, felt it was time to revolt (eg Miletus in 413; Chios in 411) but the
Spartans were slow to support these and the Athenian fleet made a surprise comeback
and saved the situation (even beating the Spartan navy in 411); Empire still intact in 411
despite many (partly) ally-inspired troubles; even after final defeat (largely though
Spartan naval superiority) in 404 some allies (eg Samos – a democracy) refused to
surrender
• Athens and Sparta:
in early days of Empire Sparta was largely relieved to stay out of foreign affairs;
Thasians had sought Spartan aid when rebelling in 465 BC but came to nothing (helped
that pro-Spartan Cimon was Athenian leader); little evidence that Sparta wanted
confrontation; by 459 however by interfering in Spartan territory (provocative alliance
with Megara) Athens had forced Sparta into a response: 15 years of war followed won
conclusively by Sparta; even then Sparta wanted peace, so in 446 ‘30 Years Peace’
declared; by 440 Samos was rebelling and others looked like following; even so Athens
kept provoking Sparta (actions against Corinth, Spartan ally); Debate at Sparta (432)
saw Sparta and allies considering renewing war: Athens v threatening in her response;
provoked Sparta and allies into declaring war which (with plague) started v badly for
Athens (Pericles’ speech of 430); death of Pericles saw rise of Cleon (v pro-war); war
continued inconclusively until death of Cleon: allowed Peace of Nicias in 421; neither
side could hold back however and Sicily brought things to a head again; Athens split
herself disastrously (with poor leadership thrown in) and Gylippus and Spartan allies
were able to destroy Athenian force in Sicily (413); still time for Athenian comeback
(victory through Spartan inertia in 411 – although in same year democracy temporarily
overthrown in Athens); further minor Athenian victories but final battle of 404 saw final
end of Empire
• Sicily and after:
(see above): credit for weighing up Athenian culpability v Spartan brilliance in Sicily; also
for examining events of 411 onwards above (should Athenians have sought to make 411
victory pay? Were they foolish going on with weakened fleet when peace may have
been possible? etc.).
Apply Levels of Response at beginning of Mark Scheme.
[30 marks]
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Assessment Objectives Grid
Unit 2D
Athenian Imperialism
Section 1
Either
Option A
01
02
03
04
05
TOTAL
AO1
3
1
1
5
8
18
AO2
5
12
17
TOTAL
3
1
1
10
20
35
AO1
1
2
2
5
8
18
AO2
5
12
17
TOTAL
1
2
2
10
20
35
AO1
12
12
AO2
18
18
TOTAL
30
30
AO1
12
12
AO2
18
18
TOTAL
30
30
AO1
30
46%
AO2
35
54%
TOTAL
65
100%
Or
Option B
06
07
08
09
10
TOTAL
Section 2
Either
Option C
09
TOTAL
Or
Option D
10
TOTAL
OVERALL
TOTAL
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